Looking for tips on how to choose CCTV for home in Malaysia? Whether you’re living in a condo or a terrace house, one thing is for sure: we all want to feel safe. CCTV cameras are no longer just for rich people or big shops. Nowadays, they’re affordable and easy to install. But with so many choices out there, how do you know which one is the best for you?
In this article, we’ll guide you on how to choose the best CCTV camera that fits your home, budget, and lifestyle. Let’s get started!
Editor
Mae An NG chevron_right
Table of Contents
How to Choose CCTV for Home
Knowing your main reason helps you decide what features are most important. If you're figuring out how to choose cctv for home for general security, a mix of features will be good.
Indoor or Outdoor? Know where you’ll place it
Where do I want to place the camera? Consider these:
- Outdoor CCTV: These go outside, like at your gate, porch, or car park. They MUST be weatherproof. The weather is sometimes hot or rainy. So, outdoor cameras need to withstand all that. Make sure they are at least IP65 rated for water and dust resistance. This is a key point in how to choose cctv for home if you need to monitor your home's exterior.
- Indoor CCTV: Great for monitoring your living room, baby room, or even a storeroom. Usually smaller and easier to hide.
Tip: Outdoor cameras need better night vision and a stronger build. Make sure the specs mention “IP65” or higher, which means it’s weatherproof.
Wired or Wireless?
Next, decide if you want a wired or wireless CCTV camera.
- Wired: This is a more stable connection, but installation can be messy with all the wires
- Wireless (Wi-Fi CCTV): Easier to install. It is neat and clean, but it depends on your internet connection.
Tip: Wireless is perfect if you’re renting or planning to DIY the setup.
Resolution Matters
Don’t buy a camera with low quality. What’s the point if you can’t even see the face clearly?
- 720p (HD): Okay for small rooms. But not very clear.
- 1080p (Full HD): This is good for most homes. You can see faces and details quite clearly. When thinking about how to choose cctv for home, this is a good starting point.
- 4K (Ultra HD): Super clear. But more expensive and needs a strong internet connection.
Tip: At least go for 1080p if you're serious about safety.
Night Vision
Most break-ins happen at night. So, make sure your CCTV has infrared night vision.
- Some cameras show black and white footage at night.
- Some advanced ones have colour night vision. This is better but more expensive.
Tip: Check the “IR distance” – 10m is enough for small porches, but bigger houses may need 20m or more.
Motion Detection and Alerts
Don’t want to stare at your phone 24/7? Choose a CCTV camera with motion detection. It will send you a notification when something moves. Some even auto-record or trigger a loud alarm!
Tip: Very useful if you want to monitor your home while working or travelling.
Where to Keep Recordings
- Cloud Storage: Saves video online. It is safe even if someone steals the camera, but it usually comes with a monthly fee.
- Memory Card (SD Card): Cheaper. No need for internet, but once full, it will overwrite old footage.
Tip: If you want peace of mind, go for cloud storage. But make sure your internet is stable.
Audio
Some CCTVs come with 2-way audio, so you can talk to people at home or the gate using your phone.
- This is great if you want to scold the abang delivery or say hi to your kids when you're not at home.
- Also useful to scare off strangers!
Tip: If you have elderly or kids at home, 2-way audio is super helpful.
Don’t Forget Your Budget
CCTV camera prices in Malaysia can range from below RM100 to over RM1000 per camera, depending on brand and features.
- Budget-friendly: Good for basic needs, maybe one or two Wi-Fi cameras.
- Mid-range: This offers a good balance of features like 1080p, night vision, and maybe some smart alerts. This is where most people find the best value when figuring out how to choose cctv for home.
- Premium: Top-notch quality, advanced features, often part of a bigger security system.
Tip: Decide how much you can spend. Don't just go for the cheapest, but also don't overspend on features you don't need.
Final Thought
So now you know how to choose CCTV for home that suits your needs. Most importantly, make sure it helps you feel safe and secure in your own home. At the end of the day, peace of mind is priceless. Don’t wait until something bad happens. Install your CCTV now and sleep better at night.
Looking for the best CCTV camera in Malaysia? Check out our full list of recommended CCTVs.